EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing confirmed there can be a trio of latest hosts this 12 months.
Strictly Come Dancing confirmed the brand new 2026 hosts (Picture: BBC)
Simply days in the past, the BBC left the nation divided after confirming which famed faces can be changing Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, following the Strictly Come Dancing departures. The broadcaster revealed that later this 12 months, Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe would entrance the collection, as a horde of latest celebrities take to the dancefloor with hopes of profitable the coveted Glitterball Trophy. With Johannes, a seasoned Strictly professional who would now be swapping choreography for autocue, and Emma, identified for her stoic and enjoyable presenting abilities, many had been left unsure about Josh.
Along with long-time viewers, former Strictly dancer Brendan Cole shared his verdict in regards to the new line-up. Talking to the Every day Categorical through Sky Vegas, the professional acknowledged: “I’d heard Emma Willis was going to be concerned every week or two beforehand, and I believe that’s a constructive signing. She’s a terrific presenter and has an actual authority about her, virtually like a stern headmistress, which I fairly like. She’s additionally watched the present for years, so she understands what Strictly is about.”
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Brendan Cole was a Strictly professional for 14 years (Picture: BBC)
He admitted: “Josh Widdicombe shocked me. I like Josh, I believe he’s an excellent comic with a number of appeal, and he’s a intelligent presenter, however I’m not completely positive Strictly matches the mould for him.
“That’s to not say he received’t be good, however once I take into consideration internet hosting a ballroom and Latin present, I’ve at all times believed you want somebody with dance and present enterprise at their coronary heart.”
Brendan, who left Strictly in 2017 after 14 years, continued: “For me, the perfect host is a triple risk – any individual who can sing, dance and act, any individual who understands leisure on the highest degree.
“Strictly is shiny-floor Saturday evening tv at its finest. What Bruce Forsyth introduced was class, authority and old-school leisure magic. I’m not saying you want any individual of their 80s, however you do want somebody with that degree of gravitas and understanding of the world they’re presenting.”
As for who he needed within the internet hosting trio, Brendan instructed dancer-turned-judge, Anton Du Beke, deserved the position.
After initially masking the judging panel for Bruno Tonioli, Anton grew to become a everlasting panellist in 2021, alongside Shirley Ballas, Oti Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood.
Brendan defined: “I really thought Anton Du Beke would have been the pure development for the position. He understands the present higher than most individuals as a result of he’s been there for therefore lengthy, and he can current.
“I believe he may have moved into internet hosting whereas maybe somebody a bit feistier took his judging seat. He’s acquired the age, the expertise and the reference to the viewers. He talks an excessive amount of, however that may be skilled out of you.”
“I’ve at all times felt Strictly works finest when it leans into class, class and a contact of comedy, fairly than going too closely into silliness. Emma may deliver one thing particular, although. I’d have appreciated to have seen her in Claudia’s position, with Anton main the principle internet hosting duties,” the previous professional concluded.
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